Vote expected on cable deregulation bill

Opponents of a cable TV franchising bill that's up for a vote in the state Senate today are making a last-ditch attempt at changes. Fifteen Assembly Democrats are asking the Senate author of the bill to accept amendments that assure consumer protections for cable customers, if the measure becomes law.

Opponents also want to limit the length of cable franchise agreements granted under the bill and protect funding for local access channels.

However, State Senator Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee), the sponsor of the measure, calls it a “good product” that will reduce cable rates in the long run. He expects it to pass the Senate without problems today and thinks the Governor will sign the measure.